Lake Ullswater

Lake Lucerne

Neusiedler See

Lago di Garda

Lake Wulpińskie

Goldegg am See

Lake Geneva

Wolfgangsee

The Lakes

Lazing lakeside on the shores of these gently lapping natural pools, surrounded by mountain-swept vistas and lush meadows, is no ordinary countryside holiday escape. These sunshine gilded chillax spots of natural cool look as good in autumnal russet red as they do in the summer's vivid verdant green - a retreat fit for some serious you-time.

These boutique hotel abodes range from the ultra-luxe glam to designer, hand-crafted style dens, to spots where farm-to-table is as natural as going for a morning dip and where you can paddleboard as easily as treat yourself to the spa - this is lakeside living made easy.

Browse our Lakeside Edit awash in cerulean blues, cloud-like whites and tonal watercolour greens, each a countryside canvas of freshwater cool – no salt added. This is all about H20-yes please, with possibly some gin, bubbles and a wedge of lime on the side.

A fabulously earthy retreat just opened in the heartlands of England's Lake District National Park on the shores of Ullswater. Another Place, The Lake - is a new shoreside family boutique hotel of comfy contemporary flair, perfect for adventures and chill time.

A crafted narrative of art, design and nature that sits lakeside wrapped in a dense forest cloak of the Polish Lake Districts of Warmia and Masuria. A decidedly laid-back designer escape, Galery69 is a working creative hub for artisans, a nature-loving nest for adventurists and a bolthole for urbanites seeking lush downtime on Lake Wulpinskie.

The imposing turreted façade of this lakeside Alpine aristocrat suggests a Grand Dame Hotel. The interiors, however, favour an altogether more dapper marriage of classicism and design brevity. A lux spa and health sanctuary, the Park Hotel is also firmly on the gourmand’s agenda with Michelin-starred restaurants and arguably one of the world’s finest wine cellars. Taste, style and redefined luxury boxed neatly lakeside.

For so long Poland’s fairy-tale expanse of dense woodland and its treasure trove of interconnected lakes upon lakes upon lakes was kept secret from many eyes. But now, the flight path to Poland’s quietly hidden Lake District, Warmia Mazury, has opened up and more eyes are beginning to look upon the wonder that is up to 2,000 lakes, surrounded by dense, verdant green forest.

Rémi Tessier designs the all new luxury Villa du Lac by doyens of refined hospitality La Réserve Hotel & Spa in Geneva. Modernist sleek design and stunning views across Lac Leman, they have created the ultimate designer rental residence on the shores of Lake Geneva adding another string to their excitingly decadent bow.

A sleek modernist base that is both rustic and sophisticated in its design simplicity – conceived to mirror the surrounding vineyards and Arco Mountains of Trentino, this rural idyll is an architectural bolthole that gives nature a stylish makeover, irresistibly close to Lake Garda.

Well-turned books, art-decked walls, plump cushions and deep sofas set the rhythm of this lakeside foodie haunt where late night chats are accompanied by a bottle of the local brew. A crafted, fun-spirited, taste of bonhomie and a place where the good life feels like the natural choice.

Tucked away at arms length to downtown Geneva, this luxury pied-à-terre is a designer oasis of sophisticated leisure right on the glistening shores of Lac Léman. Inside, a sharp philosophy of simple elegance, the scene is flamboyant with flashes of Afrique. Pools, tranquil lawns and a famed spa make this a unique, discrete destination.

Hotel Cortisen am See is a fabulously colourful modern boutique hotel on the shorelines of the infamous St. Wolfgangsee in Salzkammergut, Austria that has its own jetty, sun decks and easy access to the Schafberg Mountains.

A lair of nature wrapped by the mountains and forests with perhaps one of the best nature-inspired spas in Austria, all overlooking the Leogang Rockies. This design hotel hugs smooth modern interiors that brush up to loveliness of the Alps, complete with its own lake.

Close to the natural beauty of the Neusiedler Lake lies one of Austria’s best kept foodie secrets, a place famed for making the humble, wonderful. This unassuming aged farmhouse draws inspiration from “sunshine country” Burgenland and its exceptional wines, piecing together the ancient culture of Pannonia on a plate.

When thinking of Italian architecture, what’s most likely to come to people’s minds are the iconic Roman structures and ruins Italy is strewn with. But contemporary Italian architecture is not to be underestimated – on the contrary, one of the world’s most famous starchitects is Italian: Renzo Piano.

Once a remote shooting lodge home to the Duke of Sutherland, KinlochLodge now provides a remote and inviting retreat into the vastness ofnature. Boutique, urban touches meet a rustic, countryside canvas sostriking and so open, it is as if you are in floating in an earthy infinitypool. Embrace the mountains and the sky with family, friends, the clan, orjust yourself.